Helping the deaf-blind with educational materials

Project Presentation:

The project “Supporting Deafblind Children through Educational Resources” aims to address the urgent educational needs of deafblind children in Goma, North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Nguvu Yetu Center, committed to the education and well-being of vulnerable children, has established a school for deafblind children but faces challenges in delivering education tailored to their specific needs.

These children experience significant learning difficulties due to their dual sensory impairment. Traditional teaching methods are insufficient, and they require specialized educational approaches to develop their academic and social skills.

Project Objectives

Provide specialized educational materials:

• Braille books
• Tactile communication tools
• Visual and tactile aids for various subjects

Training and awareness:

• Teacher training sessions on the use of specialized materials
• Family awareness programs to support the children

Expected Impact

• Improved access to education: Deafblind children will benefit from adapted teaching, enabling them to make significant academic progress.
• Autonomy and social inclusion: Specialized education will promote independence and active participation in community life.

Current Phase and Timeline

The project is currently in the preparation phase:

• Identification of qualified trainers and selection of beneficiary children
• Planned launch: November 2025

Through our collaboration with GlobalGiving, we have already raised $403 USD out of a total budget of $12,000 USD. This progress shows that we are on track to achieve our goal.

Call for Donors:

We warmly invite individuals and organizations to support this high-impact project. Every contribution brings these children closer to quality education and a more inclusive future. Your generosity can transform their lives and empower them to become independent and engaged citizens.

We sincerely thank all those who have already contributed and continue to hope for your support in reaching our goal and offering a better future to deafblind children in Goma.

 General Context

In Goma, North Kivu, many deaf-blind children still have no access to the specialized education they need. The Nguvu Yetu Center for Deaf and Disadvantaged Children opened a dedicated school to support them, but the lack of adapted teaching materials continues to limit the quality of learning.
These children, living with both hearing and visual impairments, require specific educational tools to learn, communicate, and integrate into society.

2. Problem Statement

The combination of deafness and blindness makes traditional learning methods almost inaccessible. The main challenges include:

• Communication: interaction relies on braille, tactile sign language, and other sensory-based methods.
• Access to educational resources: standard materials are not suitable for their needs. They require braille books, tactile objects, sensory tools, and adapted technologies.
  Without these resources, children remain isolated and deprived of a fundamental right: education.

3. Project Objectives

This project aims to offer a concrete response to the educational needs of deaf-blind children in Goma by:

• Providing adapted learning materials: braille books, tactile tools, sensory supports, and specialized educational software.
• Creating tactile and visual aids to help children learn various subjects.
• Organizing training sessions for teachers so they can effectively use specialized materials.
• Raising awareness among families and the community to strengthen daily support for these children.

4. Total Budget

The total budget required to implement this project is USD 12,000.
To date, thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, USD 352 has already been raised. This is an encouraging step that brings us closer to our final goal.
(The detailed budget can be shared upon request.)

5. Project Progress

• Identification of teachers to be trained and children who will benefit is underway.
• The center has begun assessing the exact needs for adapted educational materials.
• Preparations for the training sessions have already started.
• The official launch of activities is scheduled for November 2025.

6. Collaboration with GlobalGiving

Our partnership with GlobalGiving offers international visibility, strengthens transparency, and builds donor confidence.
With this collaboration, we are confident that the project will reach full funding and provide effective, sustainable support for deaf-blind children.

7. Expected Impact

The impact of this project will be long-lasting and transformative:

• Improved access to education: children will finally have the materials they need to learn in a supportive environment.
• Enhanced academic and social skills: adapted education will help them grow, progress, and thrive.
• Greater autonomy: deaf-blind children will become more independent and better prepared to participate fully in society.
• Increased inclusion: stronger community awareness will reduce stigma and promote meaningful integration.

8. Call to Donors

We extend a heartfelt appeal to all individuals, partners, and organizations wishing to change the lives of vulnerable children.
Every contribution—big or small—helps equip a child, train a teacher, and restore hope to families.
Your support is essential to offer these children an education that is accessible, dignified, and full of opportunity.

9. Acknowledgements

We warmly thank all donors who have already supported this project.
Your generosity reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of deaf-blind children in North Kivu.
We also express our gratitude to GlobalGiving for its continued support and trust in our mission.